United Arab Emirates

UNDP UAE News

Thursday, 8 March 2012, International Women’s Day.

Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, the United Nations in the UAE, partnered with the Norwegian Embassy to celebrate the 2012 International Women’s Day at the Higher Colleges of Technology’s Abu Dhabi Women’s College. The theme of the event was “Connecting Women Across Borders: Inspiring Futures.”

The audience comprised government officials from many different departments and women’s associations; the diplomatic corps; the spouses of ambassadors and UN officials; and female and male students from colleges and universities in UAE.

HE Sheikh Nahayan opened the event with an inspiring keynote speech. He emphasized that this was the day to celebrate women’s active status and achievements and also to encourage young women who go for higher education to find their place in the economic, social and cultural transformation of the world. It is important to note both their role and contribution in the UAE and in international arenas. He continued to state that “we are fortunate to have so many exceptional women here today, not only on the panel but among the audience. Exceptional women, each one unique, who each in her own way contributes to the principles of universal social justice, and to the maintenance of the UAE’s heritage and culture.”

Her Excellency Dr. Elissar Sarrouh, UN Resident Coordinator, gave her remarks on International Women’s Day followed by Her Excellency Åse Elin Bjerke, Ambassador of Norway.
For the full speeches of UNRC/UNDPRR and the Norwegian ambassador please click here:

The master of ceremony, Ms. Aida Al Busaidy from MASDAR, introduced the four remarkable women panelists who in their respective presentations and stories inspired the audience. The panelists were ;Her Excellency Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder, Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation; Lubna Jaffery, State Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Norway; and Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, FNC Member & CEO Designate of twofour54.

In addition to the panel discussion and a question and answer session, the program included a musical performance by Muzna Al Mutawea, a student from Abu Dhabi Women’s College, and a photo exhibition specifically prepared by the College students. The theme for the Exhibition was “Connecting Women Across Borders: Inspiring Futures.”

Dr. Jace Hargis, Director of the HCT’s Abu Dhabi Women’s College, stated, “Abu Dhabi Women’s College is proud to host an event honoring women around the world. Research and experience have shown that educating women is among the most effective ways of improving a nation’s overall wellbeing, and our students and graduates are energetically playing their part in the UAE’s continuing advancement.”

After the event each woman participant received a rose, which in many parts of the world is offered to women on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
In the evening Dr. Sarrouh in partnership with the Norwegian ambassador Ms. Ase hosted a “Thank you” reception at the RC’s residence to honor  the working committee of the IWD event as well as the partners and the UN team members.

Sunday, 8 January 2012, UN Day

The United Nations in UAE celebrated the 66th   year of the United Nations on January 8th 2012 at a reception held in Khalidiya Palace  Rayhaan by Rotana. The reception was attended by Dr. Saeed Al Shamsi, Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organizations; DR. Maithaa AL Shamsi , minister of State; Ms. Rebeca Grynspan, UNDP Associate Administrator; Ms. Amat Al Alim Alsoswa,UNDP Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States as well as government officials, the diplomatic corps and UN officials.

The event was sponsored through the partnership that the  United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime in Abu Dhabi (UNODC) has with the Department of the President’s Affairs headed by His Excellency  Mubarak Al Ahbabi.

Dr. Al Shamsi , UNDP AA and UNRC/UNDPRR delivered speeches on this special occasion, all noting the remarkable efforts that the United Arab Emirates was able to achieve in the past 40 years , especially in the fields of economic development, sustainable environment and health care.
For the full speech presented by the UNRC/UNDP RR click here:
The program included a musical performance from the American University of Sharjah, as well as an  Introduction of the song “Forgotten Promises” by Sami Yousef  – presented by a colleague from The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

UNDP conclude one-day workshop on "Gender Responsive Budgeting in the UAE"

Dec 20 2011DWE

Simel Esim, Senior Technical Specialist, Regional Office for Arab States, International Labour Organization who has worked at policy development and institutional capacity building for a number of UN agencies (including UNDP, UNIFEM, UNICEF, UNFPA, PAHO and Regional Economic Commissions), was a key note speaker at the event, while Shamsa Saleh, CEO of DWE, and Dr.Elissar Sarrouh, UNDP Resident Representative delivered opening remarks.


"UNDP has played a key role in the development and implementation of gender budget practices since the Fourth UN World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995. It was this conference that called on governments to assess how public expenditures benefited women and to adjust budgets to contribute to gender equality.

Programs with a gender focus bring better results not just social programs, but programs involving infrastructure, like roads or water supply, where the impacts and results improve a great deal where a gender perspective in incorporated. Gender budgeting is one way to provide that perspective". Dr. Elissar Sarrouh, UNDP Resident Representative in her speech which was delivered by Gordon Johnson, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative said.

The World Family Summit + 7 - 5 December 2011

The World Family Organization and the General Women’s Union, under the high patronage of H.H Skeikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, The Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation, President of the General Women's Union and President of Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and in partnership with the Division for Sustainable Development of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the United Nations (UN) ECOSOC Office for Support and Coordination, the UN NGO Branch, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) United Arab Emirates, the UN NGO Inter-Regional Network (IRENE) and the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (AICESIS), held the World Family Summit +7, from 5 to 7 December 2011, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The World Family Summit +7 was devoted to MDG1 with the theme ‘Families in Balance: Working our way Towards Sustainable Development - Making Decent Work and Social Protection a Global Reality for All Family Members’.
The summit’s opening session was attended by Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, Reem Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State, Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, the Director General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) and Dr. Daisy Noili Weber Kusztra President of the World Family Organization, Dr. Elissar Sarrouh United Nations Resident Coordinator- UNDP RR , in addition to a number of ministers of social affairs in a number of countries participating in the summit, and a number of women leaders, representatives of government, international organizations and NGOs.

Tuesday,12 July 2011, UNDP UAE Celebrates Nelson Mandela International Day

UNDP UAE along with the South African Embassy and Nahtam Social responsibility celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 93rd birthday in Abu Dhabi.
The celebration consisted of an inauguration of a 67 foot canvas highlighting 67 years of community work.
In this occasion the RC/RR delivered a speech encouraging each individual to recognize their ability on making  Positive effect on others around them by dedicating 67 minutes of their time to do community work.
The RC/RR inaugurated the 67 foot canvas and officially opened the ceremony which was attended by members of the diplomatic corps and large gathering of general public.

المجلس الأعلى للطاقة في دبي يبحث المشاريع المستقبلية مع برنامج الأمم المتحدة الإنمائي

ستقبل سعيد محمد الطاير نائب رئيس المجلس الأعلى للطاقة في دبي، الدكتورة أليسار سروع- ممثلة الأمين العام للأمم المتحدة والممثلة المقيمة لبرنامج الأمم المتحدة الإنمائي لدى الدولة بحضور المهندس وليد علي سلمان، عضو المجلس الأعلى للطاقة في دبي.

 ويأتى اللقاء في إطار التعاون المشترك في مجال التصدي لمخاطر التغيرات المناخية وأثرها السلبي على الموارد الطبيعية ومبادرة آلية التنمية النظيفة، حيث قام المجلس الأعلى للطاقة في دبي بتوقيع مذكرة تفاهم مع برنامج الأمم المتحدة الإنمائي لإنشاء مركز دبي المتميز لضبط الكربون. وسيقدم المركز. وهو الأول من نوعه على مستوى الشرق الأوسط من حيث التخصص في مجالات خفض الإنبعاثات الكربونية، أفضل الخبرات لتحديد المبادرات الصديقة للبيئة والقيام بدور فعّال لتوفير بيئة نقية محلياً وإقليمياً.

 وقال سعيد محمد الطاير»تناولت المحادثات سبل التعاون المشـترك والمشاريع المستقبلية، حيث أطلق المجلس مبادرة »مركز دبي المتمّيز لضبط الكربون«، بمشاركة مستثمرين من مختلف القطاعات وبالتعاون مع برنامج الأمم المتحدة الإنمائي، لوضع أطر عمل واضحة لمعالجة الإنبعاثات الكربونية في إمارة دبي

Tuesday, 8,March,2011. United Nations to honour Sheikha Fatima

The United Nations will honour Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of General Women's Union and of Family Development Foundation, at a special ceremony on Tuesday in recognition of her leading role in support of the issues of women, family and children, as well as her pioneering role in the empowerment of Emirati women for political participation.

The bestowal is made considering her as a model for Arab women with distinct humanitarian contributions transcending national and regional boundaries and extending to the entire world.

Dr. Elissar Sarrouh, the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the UAE will present the memorial Shield of Honour to Sheikha Fatima at a gala event to be hosted at the Emirates Palace for this occasion.

The presentation will be made in citation of Sheikha Fatima's contribution in harnessing the active role of Emirati women as well as the keenness of Her Highness to strengthen and develop their role and empowering them to take advantage of the opportunities available in front of them.

In a statement made on this occasion, Dr. Sarrouh hailed the support of Sheikha Fatima to issues such as gender equality and women's rights as well as her continued campaigns aimed at increasing the representation of women in government jobs and at guaranteeing suitable conditions for working mothers. She also commented the continuing efforts of Sheikha Fatima to activate the participation of Emirati women in the political and economic spheres, by way of encouraging establishment of businesswomen councils in different parts of the UAE.

Dr.Sarrouh also praised Sheikha Fatima's success in transforming UAE's General Women's Union to an ideal platform through which the women could refine and sharpen their capabilities in order to take advantage of all various opportunities in front of them and to exercise their role effectively for the social welfare.

wednesday , 19,2011,Ban Ki-Moon Addresses Young Future Energy Leaders at World Future Energy Summit.

On the opening day of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary General, gave an address to the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL), an initiative led by Masdar Institute.
During his address Ban Ki-Moon said: "You young future energy leaders can make a difference. Starting today. You have the talent and enthusiasm to turn vision into reality. Whatever your chosen career path, I encourage you to think sustainability." YFEL was established by Masdar Institute, to raise the awareness of students and young professionals in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability. During WFES, Masdar Institute will also be hosting a range of events at the YFEL stand, including: on Tuesday January 18th - Dr Susan Hockfield, MIT President, visits YFEL; YFEL Debate: Enforcing Recycling on a Global Scale; Wednesday January 19th - Industry Update: International Wind Association and London Array Project Presentation and Case Study; YFEL Debate: The Challenges that USA Faces in Reducing their Carbon Footprint; Thursday January 20th - YFEL Debate: Policy Update.
Ban Ki-Moon said: "Engaging with the youth of today is a vital part of tackling the challenges climate change. The Masdar Institute's Young Future Energy Leaders will be the Heads of State, Professors and CEO's that will lead, develop and implement solutions in the renewable energy and sustainability space in the years to come. Listening to and nurturing these talented people now will ensure a more robust response to climate change."

Tuesday , January 18,2011,“UNDP Resident Representative signs Dubai Carbon Center of Excellence Project".

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Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon held talks today at Zabeel Palace over a host of regional and international topics concerning development, environment, security as well as humanitarian issues.
The UN chief commended the UAE for its support for peace, stability and environment and credited its humanitarian initiatives which he lauded as pioneering at the international level in delivering humanitarian and charitable assistance to the most impoverished peoples and disaster and war struck countries around the world.
For his part, Sheikh Mohammed told the UN Secretary General that the UAE under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is always seeking to extend assistance to people in need without distinction of race, religion and political or geographical affiliation.
The meeting was attended by H. H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Foreign Minister, and a number of Sheikhs and senior officials.
Later, Sheikh Mohammed and Ban Ki-Moon witnessed the conclusion of an agreement on carbon between the Dubai Supreme Energy Council and the UN. It was inked by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group, and Dr. Elissar Sarrouh, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative to the UAE.

Tuesday , January 18,2011,Ban Ki-moon discusses renewable energy issues with government officials and academicians.

Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted initiative for advancing the development and deployment of renewable energy and clean technologies, today interacted with a cross-section of experts from business, academia and government, exchanging ideas on renewable energy, climate change and new technologies.
The high-level discussions also focused on ways to further condition the global business climate to spur innovation and create constructive competition within the renewable energy and sustainability fields. The breakfast meeting was held concurrently with the fourth Annual World Future Energy Summit (WFES) that runs until 20 January at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The summit has convened thousands of participants from across the globe to discuss the current and future energy needs of the world.
The breakfast meeting was attended by several local and international business leaders, academics as well as government officials, including Enge Ditlev, CEO of Vestas; Rene Umlauft, CEO, Siemens Renewable Energy; Ibrahim Ajami, CEO of Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC); Ambassador Hamad Ali AlKaabi, Permanent Representative of the UAE to IAEA; Dr. Kadeh Yumkella, Director-General of UNIDO; Susan Hockfield, President of MIT; and Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President of Masdar Institute.
Ban Ki-moon and Dr. Sultan Al Jaber highlighted Abu Dhabi's growing international prominence in clean technology and renewable energy that is further underlined by hosting of the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) at Masdar and the forthcoming second Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting in April in Abu Dhabi.
"By demonstrating leadership and forging new partnerships, we can unleash a clean-energy revolution that delivers both growth and sustainability," said Ban Ki-Moon.
Dr. Sultan said: "It was a wonderful and unique opportunity to use the occasion of the World Future Energy Summit to bring together the UN Secretary-General and other business, academic and government leaders to exchange ideas knowledge and share experiences.
"Such meetings underscore the importance of increasing the level of partnerships with stakeholders from across various sectors and organizations to work towards a common objective of advancing the renewable energy sector. The meeting also reflects the commitment and contribution of Masdar and the UAE to international dialogue on clean energy," Dr Sultan added.
The third day's events will spotlight innovation and clean technology, while the fourth day will focus on financing future energy solutions.
Over 600 exhibitors including Deutsche Bank Group, TOTAL, OXY, ExxonMobil, BP Alternative Energy, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Vestas, Daimler and Suntech Power from 40 countries are participating at the four-day World Future Energy Summit and exhibitions 2011.

Monday , January 17,2011,UN Secretary commends UAE and Masdar's leadership in addressing global energy challenges

Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, today commended Masdar's ambition and commitment to advancing and commercialising innovations in renewable energy and clean technology.
Ban Ki-Moon was officially welcomed at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology campus by Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO and Managing Director of Masdar, the Abu Dhabi-based company focusing on the development and deployment of sustainable energy solutions. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber accompanied Ban Ki-Moon on a guided tour of Masdar City.
Delivering an address following the tour of the campus, the Middle East's first graduate research institution dedicated to clean energy research and education, the UN chief said: "The future is showcased in Masdar. The technology on renewable and future energy will help economic growth, achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) targets, and bring healthcare, while benefiting the entire planet." "The fact that Masdar is the brainchild of one of the leading global oil producers is all the more inspiring," the UN Secretary-General added. "Such an endeavour, if implemented through private and public partnerships, can make the new technology affordable to everyone." Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said: "We are delighted to host Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon at Masdar this afternoon. He is a long-time friend to Masdar, the UAE, and most importantly, is leading the community of nations as we strive to identify the renewable energy and clean technology solutions that will meet our collective global energy and climate change challenges.
"We admire and respect his leadership and critical contributions to driving international cooperation towards a viable long-term roadmap for sustainability around the world," Dr Sultan added.
Ban Ki-Moon added: "Today I had the privilege of witnessing for myself the leadership of Abu Dhabi. This I can guarantee is a vision with a difference that is getting translated into reality. I truly commend and congratulate Abu Dhabi and the UAE for such a path-breaking initiative and I am confident the future technology can be shared with other countries as well." Earlier in the day, Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon addressed visiting Royals, Heads of State and international delegates at the opening ceremony of the World Future Energy Summit 2011 - the world's largest conference and exhibition on renewable and future energy solutions, innovations, investments, policy and vision, hosted by Masdar at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).